tense

Syllables:
ten·se
2 syllables
tense in syllables

About "tense"

Syllables
2
Letters
5
Language
EN

How to Split "tense" into Syllables

The word tense is divided into 2 syllables: ten·se. Understanding this syllable division is essential for correct pronunciation and spelling.

📝 Syllable Breakdown

  • ten — 1st syllable
  • se — 2nd syllable

🔊 Pronunciation Guide

The phonetic transcription of tense:

  • IPA: /tɛns/

Listen to Pronunciation

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📖 Definitions

  1. Habits: I walk my dog every day.
  2. Facts: The Earth revolves around the Sun.

📚 Word Origin & History

From Middle English tens, from Old French tens (modern French temps), from Latin tempus. Doublet of tempo and tempus. Borrowed from Latin tēnsus, one form of the past participle of tendō (“stretch”).

✓ Why Learn Syllable Division?

Understanding how to break down tense into syllables helps with:

  • Correct pronunciation — Knowing syllable structure ensures accurate speech
  • Improved spelling — Breaking words into chunks makes them easier to remember and write
  • Reading fluency — Recognizing syllable patterns speeds up reading comprehension
  • Poetry and lyrics — Syllable counting is essential for meter and rhythm
  • Language learning — Non-native speakers benefit from syllable awareness

📊 Similar Words Comparison

Compare tense with related words to understand syllable patterns:

Word Syllables Division
tense 2 ten·se
thing 2 th-ing
tinge 2 ti-nge
teenage 3 tee-na-ge
timing 2 tim-ing

🔗 Related Words

Explore syllable divisions of words related to tense:

ten, tend, Tenn, tens, tent, tench, tenet, tenon.

Frequently Asked Questions About "tense"

How many syllables does "tense" have?

tense has 2 syllables: ten·se. The word is divided into 2 distinct sound units that make up the complete pronunciation.

Where is the stress in "tense"?

The stress is on the first syllable: ten. This means you emphasize the "ten" part when pronouncing tense.

How do you pronounce "tense"?

tense is pronounced as /tɛns/ (IPA notation). The syllables are divided as: ten·se.

Is "tense" easy to spell?

Breaking tense into syllables helps with spelling: ten·se. By pronouncing each syllable separately, you can identify the letters more easily and avoid common spelling mistakes.

Why learn to divide "tense" into syllables?

Learning syllable division helps with correct pronunciation, improved spelling, better reading fluency, and is useful for poetry and lyric writing where syllable counting matters. It's especially helpful for language learners.